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Living Like an Artist

Posted on Monday, December 9, 2019

As this first year overseas draws to a close, the Lord gave me a picture that characterizes full-time ministry:

My husband’s cousin is a very talented artist, but at first he didn’t want to pursue art as his career because he knew it wouldn’t pay well, it would be hard work, and he was worried that if art became his job he would grow sick of it and lose the joy. So for a year, he jumped from job to job, never finding contentment in his work. Finally, he decided that he needed to be an artist. It was his passion, and he knew that even if it was hard, there would always be joy. 

Working full-time for the Kingdom is like being an artist. You usually don’t make much money, it is slow, grinding labor, and it could be months (or even years) before you see fruit. At times I am worried that my faith is becoming exhausting, grinding “work”--worried that I’m misplacing the joy of my salvation as I continuously pour out.  Over the last few months I have realized that it is hard to distinguish between simply spending time with Jesus, and prepping for ministry. Though unintentional, my time in the Word each morning usually ends up being focused on ministry. I come across verses that apply perfectly to the girl I am discipling, or to the ladies I meet with each week (see Oct & Nov post for more details), and I can’t help but stop and write these things down to share with them later. 

Sometimes I have sweet moments of just resting and being in Jesus’ presence, and though I long for this constantly, I’ve realized that doing ministry can be just as sweet. Diving deep into the Word and searching for answers with my friends has been incredible, and it has grown my faith exponentially these last few months. I get to serve God as my full-time job and watch Him work in the lives around me.

I am a struggling but joyful artist.

As I work, He uses me as His paintbrush, creating a masterpiece more wonderful than I could have ever imagined... making all things beautiful in His time.

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